Yahrzeits
Nobuko Arakaki
Myron Auerbach*
Sonia Blumenthal*
Albert Cieman*
Morris Davidson
Jay Drotman
Karyn Feld
William Fried*
Rose Glasser
Gerald Goldman
Paul Herman
Milton Hoffman*
Alan Leiman*
Phillip Lublin*
Freyda Miller*
Rachael Mogolevsky*
Dr. Jesse Palmer
Kate Papert*
Adele Belofsky Pinsker*
Samuel Reader*
Sherrie Richman
Benjamin Rogalsky*
Morris Root
Fannie Rosenbluth
Herman Rosenzweig*
Nancy Rovin
Gladys Sauber
Maurice Shapiro*
Anita Sher
Marcia Skalka
Fanny Sonneborn*
Howard Squires
Richard Stern*
Solomon Weinberg*
Calvin Weiskopf
Marty Winston
Julia Wittelshofer*
*Denotes plaque in Memorial Alcove
Reach out to us with any questions.
Amy L. Morrison - Rabbi
727-347-6136 - RabbiMorrison@TempleBeth-El com
Tara O’Donnell - Director of Finance & Operations
727-347-6136 - Tara@TempleBeth-El.com
Jennifer Hannon - Director of Early Childhood Center 727-350-5885 - JennHannon@TempleBeth-El.com
Tracy Nash - Bookkeeper
727-347-6136 - Bookkeeper@TempleBeth-El.com
Tovah Feld - Communications & Engagement Coordinator
727-347-6136 - Tovah@TempleBeth-El.com
Allison Fowler - Office Administrative Assistant
727-347-6136 - Allison@TempleBeth-El.com
Mike Shapiro - Temple President
727-347-6136 - President@TempleBeth-El com
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison, Barbara Marin, & the jammin’ jews
Rabbi Amy L. Morrison
As we read Parashat Nitzavim in the days leading up to Rosh HaShanah, its words feel especially personal and urgent. The parashat opens with a powerful image: “You are all standing today before the Lord your God…” not just the leaders or the righteous, but everyone men, women, children, even the stranger It’s a moment of deep communal presence, a reminder that when we come before God, we do so together
This is the heart of preparing for Rosh HaShanah not just as individuals trying to make things right, but as a community standing side by side, carrying each other’s pain, growth, and hope. We re not alone in this work. Whether we feel strong in our faith or distant, whether we ’ re proud of our past year or burdened by regret, we are all included. We all belong.
Nitzavim also reminds us that returning to God is not beyond us. “It is not in the heavens it is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it ” These words are like a gentle embrace Teshuvah isn’t reserved for the perfect it’s meant for real people, with messy lives and honest hearts We just have to begin
As Rosh HaShanah approaches, Parashat Nitzavim calls us to show up fully, honestly, together. To look around and see that we ’ re part of something bigger. That our return, our prayers, and our growth matter not just to ourselves, but to everyone standing beside us.
Torah Portion Announcements
Saturday, September 20
10am-11:30am - Shofar Sounding Bootcamp
Sunday, September 21
8:45am-9:30am - Brotherhood Schmooze 10am-12pm - FAST Meeting
10:30am-12pm - Unorthodox Talks 9:30am - 12pm - Sunday School
Monday, September 22
7pm - Erev Rosh HaShanah Services
Tuesday, September 23
9am - Rosh HaShanah “Mini Minyan” Service
9:30am - Youth Programming (Ages Infant-3 Grade - Must Pre-Register) rd 10am - Rosh HaShanah Service
4:30pm - Tashlich @ Spa Beach - St. Pete Pier
Wednesday, September 24
10:30am - Rosh HaShanah Mitzvah ProjectTrinity Café at Feeding Pinellas (This project is fully booked!)
If you are new to Temple Beth-El, welcome!
OPEN COMMUNITY CREATES ENGAGING & DIVERSE JEWISH PATHWAYS
Located in St. Petersburg on Florida's beautiful west coast, Temple Beth-El is a Reform Jewish congregation that has served this area since 1928 and is focused on strengthening relationships and making connections. We are a welcoming Reform community for Jewish and interfaith households to experience an uplifting and joyful sense of belonging as we seek to connect our members with each other and the greater community and world around us.
Enjoy and have a Shabbat Shalom!
Parashat Nitzavim: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 Saturday, September 20, 2025 / 27 Elul 5785
Moses tells the assembled people that God's covenant speaks to them and to all of the generations who will follow. (29:9–14)
God warns the Israelites that they will be punished if they act idolatrously, the way the inhabitants of the other nations do. (29:15–28)
Moses reassures the people that God will not forsake them and that they can attain blessings by following God's commandments. (30:1–20)
Suggestions for parents of our youngest congregants
Relax! God put the wiggle in children. Don’t feel you have to suppress it in our sanctuary or chapel. Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is happening on the Bima. They tire of seeing the backs of other’s heads.
Quietly explain our rituals and sing or clap when appropriate. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
If you need to leave services with your child, do so, but please come back. Remember that the way we welcome children in synagogue directly affects the way they respond to coming to synagogue, to God, to one another. Let them know that they are welcome in this house of worship, here, at Temple Beth-El.
